Just starting to explore DVC -- few questions...

[3dog2kidmom]

I mentioned the other night to DH that on a future trip we might consider renting points from a DVC member and stay in a villa. So then he asked the magic quesion..... "what's it take to buy a DVC membership ourselves?" So based on what I read on these boards I thought I'd ask what the experts think.

1) If we buy through Disney I gather we can only buy at SSR with a minimum of 150 points, correct?

2) There is a lengthy waiting list for BCV (which I would much prefer) unless we buy resale, correct?

3) Other than having to wait until the 7-month window for another resort, what are the disadvantages of having a home resort that isn't where you think you'd usually want to stay? Any additional fees?

4) At this point, we are thinking our WDW vacations will be mostly 4-5 nights each (maybe 1 weekend night) in January. How difficult is it to get a 1BR BCV in January within the 7-month window?

5) Are there additional fees associated with renting, transfering, banking, or borrowing points?

6) Will my adult children be able to use my points as their own if I make their reservations (not a concern for awhile but I'm thinking ahead).

7) Again thinking of a yearly 4-5 day January vacation with possibly 1 weekend night in a 1BR, should 150 points be enough to start with?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Mark099]

You seem pretty set that BCV is the best resort. Many will tell you that you should buy where you want to stay. The reality is that it may not always work out.

1) SSR is what DVC is selling now, but I am sure they have other options from time-to-time since they do have the option to buy-back any points for sale. We own at SSR, and like the resort a lot. Also, contracts at SSR last for 12 years longer than at the other resorts.

2) a resale is probably the best option.

3) and 4) no additional fees. IMO, any resort at WDW offers an advantage over HH or VB. Most will say that a 7 month window is rarely a problem except for a few weeks a year. The last 3 weeks in January are probably fairly open. My answer to that would be to book in your home resort at 11 months if it's not BCV, then look to switch at 7 months. Worst case scenario is you keep your same dates, but not get BCV.

5) no additional fees set by DVC.

6) you can make reservations for anyone. Your DVC membership is also transferable.

7) I think you need to do some calculations.

Realistically, buying into the DVC with plans to use it only 4-5 nights a year could be very expensive. Keep in mind, that the yearly fees for a 150 point contract is about $650. That is $130 a night for 5 nights.

Your typical 5 night stay would cost you 133 points in 2006 at BCV, 104 points at OKW and 121 points at SSR.

Unless you plan on increasing your DVC use, the numbers may not work for you.

 

[Anewman]

I mentioned the other night to DH that on a future trip we might consider renting points from a DVC member and stay in a villa. So then he asked the magic quesion..... "what's it take to buy a DVC membership ourselves?" So based on what I read on these boards I thought I'd ask what the experts think.

1) If we buy through Disney I gather we can only buy at SSR with a minimum of 150 points, correct?Well you can ask guide to check inventory on "sold out" resorts, but yes 150 is the minimum points if buying from disney for the first time. But besides the availability issue, sold out resorts do not qualify for any of the deals. So some think if you are buying a sold out resort, may as well go resale. While SSR direct from Disney is hard to match(price wise).

2) There is a lengthy waiting list for BCV (which I would much prefer) unless we buy resale, correct?I do not know how "lengthy" the waiting list actually is, some have claimed to buy without any kind of wait. YMMV

3) Other than having to wait until the 7-month window for another resort, what are the disadvantages of having a home resort that isn't where you think you'd usually want to stay? Any additional fees?Biggest dissadvantage to me, "NOT BEING HAPPY". I can not imagine spending this kind of money and not getting what I want. Fees vary from resort to resort, so depending on which you wanted it could be more(or even less) to own at one you did not want.

4) At this point, we are thinking our WDW vacations will be mostly 4-5 nights each (maybe 1 weekend night) in January. How difficult is it to get a 1BR BCV in January within the 7-month window?Well January is available now during the 7 month window, as more members join it will only becomes more difficult. Every year there are THOUSANDS new members, but the small resorts have the same amount of rooms year after year.

5) Are there additional fees associated with renting, transfering, banking, or borrowing points?No money fees involved.

6) Will my adult children be able to use my points as their own if I make their reservations (not a concern for awhile but I'm thinking ahead).You can make reservations under any Name, even family. And they will still get magical treatment.

7) Again thinking of a yearly 4-5 day January vacation with possibly 1 weekend night in a 1BR, should 150 points be enough to start with? yes 150 should get you at least what your requested, and more depending on the resort.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

welcome home soon

 

[Anewman]

Realistically, buying into the DVC with plans to use it only 4-5 nights a year could be very expensive. Keep in mind, that the yearly fees for a 150 point contract is about $650. That is $130 a night for 5 nights.

hmmm
Why would it be a BAD deal to pay $130 per night For accomidations with a rack rate of $410 plus tax?

And even if they RENT points from other members 133 points(BCV) would go for around $1300, that $650 you quote is still more than half off.

I still see this being a huge savings to them, and they can transfer any unused points to subsidize their trips.

 

[BellaBuggy]

We just rented points from a DVC member (haven't taken the plunge yet ourselves) and stayed at BCV. The ressies were made for late Jan/early Feb less than 30 days in advance and we got what we wanted. Maybe that was just luck, but I'll take it.

 

[Mark099]

hmmm
Why would it be a BAD deal to pay $130 per night For accomidations with a rack rate of $410 plus tax?

And even if they RENT points from other members 133 points(BCV) would go for around $1300, that $650 you quote is still more than half off.

I still see this being a huge savings to them, and they can transfer any unused points to subsidize their trips.

Yes, but the $130 a night doesn't take into account the $12,000 - 15,000 buy in to start with. The $130/night will get you a very nice room in the hotels surrounding WDW, a moderate resort room, or even two value rooms in WDW.

Unless you are the type of person to pay the rack rate for a DVC villa or a room at the GF, I don't think it's fair to say you are getting a $400 villa for $130.

If a family is perfectly happy staying at a moderate or value resort, then DVC will not save them any money. What DVC may do, in that case, is allow a family to stay in a villa for the cost of a moderate room. But, and it's a big but, I feel you need to use DVC at least 7 days a year for 10-15 years to make it really pay off.

We did not buy into DVC to save money. We bought to be more comfortable during our stay. We stay an average of 12 nights every 1 1/2 years at WDW. Realistically, it will take us up to 15 years to break even. After which, we'll enjoy up to 35 more years of cheap accomidations.

DVC is not a slam-dunk buy to everyone that goes to WDW every year. People really need to crunch the numbers hard before buying.

 

[shellbelle1971]

1. Yes.
2. Usually yes. You may be able to get a resale contract more quickly, but then you have to wait for DVC to decide to exercise Right of First Refusal, or not. So even if the seller accepts your offer, DVC may step in and take it from you If you work with TTS (link above) they should be able to advise you on what price per point will pass ROFR.
3. No additional fees. But lack of availability is a real factor for certain types of units (like Grand Villas at OKW) or times of year (like Food & Wine Festival at BCV and BWV). Annual maintenance fees vary somewhat between the resorts, too. Currently, SSR is the lowest and I believe Vero is the highest.
4. Don't know...no experience.
5. Nope, no fees. WAY better than Marriott this way!
6. Yep. You can make a reservation for anyone you want. And you can add anyone you want as an "associate" on you membership, giving them the ability to book reservations using your points.
7. Yes, 150 points should get you that. If you find it isn't enough, you can always add on later, although you may have to waitlist for a while with BCV.